Intern Abroad in Berlin: Academics

Freie Universität Berlin (FU Berlin)

Freie Universitšt Berlin was founded on December 4, 1948, by students, scholars, and
scientists with the support of the American Allied forces and politicians in Berlin. The
move was sparked by the persecution faced by students who took a critical eye of the
system at the former Universitšt Unter den Linden, at that time located in the Soviet
sector of the divided city. Students and academics wanted to be free to pursue their
learning, teaching, and research activities at Freie Universitšt, without being subject
to political influence.

Generous donations from the United States enabled FU Berlin to build some of its
central facilities, including the Benjamin Franklin University Hospital and the Henry
Ford Building. In a nod to the history surrounding the Universityís founding, the seal of
Freie Universitšt still features the words truth, justice, and freedom.

Academic Overview

Attendance Students exceeding the permitted number of unexcused absences may
lose all or partial credit.

Class time Internships are 35 to 40 hours per week. Seminars meet for 2 hours each
Friday.

Credits The combined Internship and seminar course are recommended for 6
semester credits.

ECTS Freie Universitšt Berlin awards ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation
System) credits. The number of class hours and ECTS credits will be shown on
the transcript to allow each studentís home institution the ultimate decision in the
awarding of U.S. credit. Students should consult with their university advisors prior to
participating in the program to have course credit pre-approved and ensure that they
are taking the appropriate amount of credits. For further information on ECTS please click here.

Grades No AIFS participant is permitted to take a course without receiving a letter
grade. Pass/Fail grade options are not available.

Internship Application Students complete an internship application which can be
accessed on-line once the program application has been received. The quality and
depth of the answers contribute to placement possibilities.

Student support The AIFS Resident Director provides academic advice and serves as
a liaison between students and the University.

Transcripts are issued by Freie Universitšt Berlin. One official copy will be sent to the
studentís home institution on completion of the program.